An important aspect of GMAT prep you don’t want to cram in is taking full-length practice tests. Toward the end of your prep, taking these tests is a key part of getting ready for test day. You need to build stamina, get used to the test-day experience, and assess your progress. But here’s the thing—these tests take a lot out of you. Sitting through an entire GMAT is mentally exhausting, and that exhaustion can accumulate. So, if you’ve been taking a full-length test every other day in the final stretch of your prep and are now feeling totally wiped out, it makes sense. You’re not alone.
To avoid that kind of fatigue, try to plan ahead so you have the time and space to use full-length tests effectively. Ideally, give yourself enough time at the end of your prep to take one official practice test every 5 to 7 days. Then, leave several days before test day with no full-length tests scheduled. This kind of spacing gives you time to recover between tests, reflect on your performance, and fix your weak spots. That way, you’re not just testing—you’re actually learning from each test.
Cramming in test after test in the final two weeks won’t help you improve if you’re too mentally drained to review your mistakes. In fact, it could leave you feeling worse about your prep and make the GMAT feel like an even bigger source of stress. And that’s not the mindset you want heading into the exam.
Also, be careful not to overdo it on the number of full-length tests. I’ve seen students take 10 or more practice tests in the final two months of their prep—and then crash right before test day. There’s no need to take a test every week for months on end. Instead, use your full-length tests strategically. The official practice tests from mba.com are high-quality tools. Use them wisely and give yourself the time to get value from each one. That will help you go into test day rested, focused, and confident.
Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep
